The City of Victoria recently released new design images for the proposed new bridge that will replace the aging Johnson Street Bridge that connects downtown Victoria with the Songhees area. A new website, www.johnsonstreetbridge.com, describes the project in detail and includes an animated video with various “fly-overs” of the new bridge.

The fly-through was produced by Wilkinson-Eyre Architects based in London, UK.

Earlier this year, the Victoria City Council approved a proposal that would replace the current 85-year-old and rapidly deteriorating Johnson Street Bridge with a brand-new bridge that would include amenities for improved cycling, walking and accessibility.

The City views the new bridge as a top priority because the span functions as one of the main corridors into downtown. Over 30,000 vehicle trips cross the Johnson Street Bridge daily in addition to thousands of pedestrian and cycling commuters.

Construction on the drawbridge is expected to begin this coming spring with an estimated completion date of Fall 2011. The total cost of the project is projected to be a modest $63.2 million.

By all accounts, the modern design is popular with the public. “Seeing these images really conveys a feeling of how breathtaking this new bridge will be for the City,” said one member of the citizen advisory board, David Cubberley, in a City press release. “These new illustrations will generate a lot of excitement for the future and the amenities the new bridge will provide, including dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian walkways.”